A Condor Airlines flight turned into a nightmare for hundreds of passengers after one of its engines burst into flames midair, forcing an emergency landing in Italy and leaving many onboard convinced they might not survive. The Boeing 757, carrying 273 passengers and eight crew members, departed Corfu, Greece, bound for Düsseldorf, Germany, on Saturday evening.
Not long after takeoff, at around 36,000 feet, the aircraft experienced what the airline later described as a “turbine airflow disruption.” Terrified passengers noticed flames spitting from the right wing just after 8 p.m. local time, and panic began to spread throughout the cabin. Some passengers later admitted they immediately started sending farewell texts to loved ones, convinced the end was near. One shaken traveler told German media that the plane suddenly lost power for a few seconds, and it was clear the aircraft was no longer climbing. Another passenger said the situation was so frightening that they had no choice but to message family with what they feared would be their last words, explaining, “I thought, it’s over now.”
The flight crew acted swiftly, diverting the plane toward Brindisi Airport in southern Italy. Just 40 minutes after takeoff, the plane safely landed at 8:15 p.m., according to data from FlightRadar24. While the landing brought immense relief, the ordeal was far from over for many passengers, who spent the night stranded in Brindisi. Some were placed in hotels, while others were forced to stay at the airport due to limited accommodations in the area. In a statement, Condor Airlines acknowledged the challenge, explaining that hotel capacity was insufficient to house everyone.
As a result, the airline provided vouchers, blankets, and arranged for shops in the airport to remain open so that stranded travelers could buy supplies. Passengers who paid out of pocket for alternative lodging were told they could request reimbursement. Despite the fear onboard, Condor insisted at no point were passengers or crew in actual danger. The airline explained the malfunction stemmed from a parameter reading outside normal range, caused by a disruption in airflow to the engine. A spokesperson said that as a precautionary measure, the pilot diverted to Brindisi. The landing was executed without further incident, and all passengers disembarked safely.
The airline later revealed the issue was traced to a chemical reaction within the combustion chamber, prompting a full technical inspection of the aircraft. Videos posted on social media showed the engine flashing bursts of flame at intervals, accompanied by loud booms. One TikTok clip, captured by a passerby in Italy, described the surreal sight of “a plane literally fighting fire in front of me.” Other footage filmed inside the cabin reflected the passengers’ terror as they watched flames licking the wing outside their windows. The incident sparked a wave of concern, not only for those onboard but also for the reputation of Boeing, which has faced intense scrutiny in recent years over mechanical issues and safety concerns.
While Condor was quick to reassure the public that the situation was managed safely, passengers described the moments of uncertainty as nothing short of traumatizing. In the aftermath, the airline arranged for a replacement aircraft to transport passengers to Germany the following morning, allowing many to finally reach their destination nearly a full day late. Still, the experience left a lasting impact on those aboard Flight DE 3665, some of whom said they might never step on a plane again after the harrowing ordeal.
For many, the event highlighted just how fragile the feeling of safety in the skies can be. It also underscored the reliance passengers place on airlines and their crews to respond to emergencies with calm and precision. Though no injuries were reported and the crew’s actions were ultimately praised, the memory of sending “goodbye texts” will linger for the passengers who truly believed they were living their final moments thousands of feet above the ground.
The aircraft remains grounded as inspections continue, and Condor Airlines maintains that despite the flames, the safety of passengers was never compromised. Yet for those who lived through the experience, the line between “never in danger” and “moments from disaster” feels far too thin.
